Do I Have To?

Pop Pop's Birthday

Unfortunately these pictures don't show it (unless you enlarge them), but Corinne gets her blue eyes from my dad. And here she is helping Pop Pop (as she calls him) eat his birthday dessert on our patio over the weekend. Happy Birthday, Dad! We're so glad we get to spend time with you!

Fort

Brett and Corinne built a fort the other day. It was their place to read together and I couldn't resist taking some pictures. Wondering what they're reading? It's the first year of our blog, put into a book by my friend, Susan!! Corinne loves to read it--sometimes several times each day. She points out all the people she knows and loves to look at pictures of herself as a baby. As for the fort, I have a feeling that it will be a good past-time next weekend when I am gone. It will be the first ever Daddy/Corinne weekend -- without Mommy. (Good thing all the grandparents live in town!) No, really. Brett is looking forward to it and he's already planning all the fun things he wants to do with Corinne while I'm away. I have no doubt all will go well!

Downtown Outings

Over the last week Corinne has made her way downtown several times. First, we went to have lunch with Brett on Fountain Square one day. But make no mistake: Corinne didn't eat a bit of lunch! She was way too busy playing near and on the fountain, walking all around the square, going up and down steps, ramps...you get the idea. She ate when she got home and there was no longer any commotion to get lost in. Over the weekend Aunt Marcey was in town and we had an extremely busy and fun weekend. Once again we ventured downtown, but this time for the Taste of Cincinnati. Brett's parents came with us, along with Marcey before she left town. And who knew the Taste of Cincinnati has children's rides?!? We certainly didn't know that from past trips there, but we managed to buy a few tickets for the Rainbow Rock, which was basically a compact playground on wheels. Here are a few pictures from the last week or so!

The day we had lunch with Brett--Corinne doing the "Superman" on the fountain

Corinne peeking into the water surrounding the Tyler Davidson Fountain on the square

Our Taste of Cincinnati gang (Brett with Corinne, Rick, Sharon, Marcey)

Back on the square, walking every area of it. No, really, she did!

Aunt Marcey and Corinne taking a leisurely walk

Fresh off the Rainbow Rock slide with Grandpa

The trek to the car, much better in Grandma's arms.

Friends

These are such dear friends of mine. This picture was taken with Susan's camera and is making the rounds here and here, too! Probably because there is such a history and fondness between us, representing such genuine and time tested friendship. We have all been friends since we were about 10 years old, some sooner. What a blessing it is to have ties that are so deep and so strong! I am so thankful. On this occasion we were laughing, eating, praying and hanging out together in Kris's honor before she moves (temporarily) to Missouri. Perhaps next time we're all together it will be a roadtrip to go visit her?!? (L to R: Betsy, Amy, Kris, Calley holding Mirabel, and Susan) And what a perfect time to share the following picture that Susan came across, taken at youth group (too) many years ago:(L to R: Leila, Betsy, Susan, Kris)

On the Run

Some of you who know me know that over the past year and a half I have taken up running with a new tenacity. (Only by my standards, mind you. I have not done any marathons, half marathons, or anything of the sort.) It's just been a steady commitment to running 3 miles at least 3-4 times per week. Brett has been wonderful about putting Corinne to bed on these evenings, or watching her on weekends in order to make time for my runs. I have really enjoyed it, and can say that I am in the best shape I've been in since playing soccer in high school (thanks, also, to Jillian Michaels). I feel great and it's gotten to the point where I need to do it on any given day, or I just don't feel productive. Several years back I was into running like this, and ended up doing five 5k races in the span of that many months. Recently I was remembering this after my friend and I completed a 5k together, and we decided that we would try and do as many 5ks this year as our time, families, and budget would allow for! So on Friday night I spontaneously decided to do a 5k in our neighborhood, in conjunction with the annual Kilgour Carnival kickoff. It was a lot of fun, and even better because I set a new personal record on an extremely tough (read: hilly) course. My hope is to continue to see my times decrease with each race. And my reason for posting about it is that now I will have to be accountable. You see, I've never been a "runner". That is not me. I don't have long lean runner legs, nor is it in my genes. This is something that I've done solely to get in shape and to feel better about myself. I hope to one day do a half marathon, but for now I am content doing the 5k circuit.

How Much for That Family in the Window?

One amazing husband: Brett
One adorable, sweet daughter: Corinne
One (unloved?) cat: Lilly
My family: Priceless

First Ponytail

What do you think? Are you a fan of the ponytail? As you can see, it threw Corinne off a bit since it's hard to do the "thumb suck and hair twirl" routine.

Mischeif

Butterflies

Once again we went to the annual Butterfly Exhibit at Krohn Conservatory, and this year we took my mom. She *loves* butterflies for their beauty and spiritual significance and we thought it would be a nice way to celebrate Mother's Day weekend. Grammy even got a butterfly to land on her finger! Look closely in the photos and you just might spot it. Corinne loved watching the gorgeous butterflies and was quite taken with the people watching, too (no surprise there)! We even managed to get a family photo...along with lots of strangers for background:)